Thursday July 9, 2015

One problem most home owners must face is insect invasion in their garages. The winter weather causes bugs to look for warmer habitation while summer weather causes them to search for new water sources. The two most common goals are destroying those which have invaded the garage while implementing measures to prevent more from entering the area.

There are several items which will be helpful to have on hand for this task:

Airtight plastic totes or other storage containers

Pesticide spray

Shop-vac

Broom

Caulk gun

Silicone caulk

Ceiling panels or drywall

Rubber and/or vinyl weather-stripping

Bug bait traps

Infestation Prevention Tips

Remove any pet food from bags and store in air tight containers or totes. Make sure not to leave any food on the floor for insects to munch on.

Sort through any piles of paper, cardboard, including boxes, and clothing. These are places in which insects love to hide, especially if these materials are damp and/or moldy.

Sort through any stored boxes and reorganize into storage containers. Wash clothing if it is necessary before packing it down.

Use a broom to sweep away all spider webs. Use a solution of mild detergent and water to clean walls, baseboards, and corners to remove stains, dirt, and mold.

Once the baseboards are dry, treat them with a high quality, efficient pesticide. Spray bugs you see directly. Be sure to clean up all of the dead insects when you are through. The living will see the dead as a food source.

Carefully inspect your entire garage for roof and/or plumbing leaks. Insects search for damp, dark places in which to thrive. They will also find their way through any cracks that may have been caused by water damage. It may be necessary to contact professionals such as plumbers or exterminators depending upon the extent of the damage and/or infestation.

It is a good idea to seal any small cracks or holes in the ceilings, floors, and walls with caulk. Caulk and caulk guns are relatively inexpensive at most all home improvement stores. It is best to use a high grade silicone caulk for this purpose.

Purchase rubber and/or vinyl weatherstripping from the home improvement store as well. This is required to seal the bottom of the garage door. Check the sides and top as well to determine if it should be sealed on all sides.

Place insect bait traps around the outside of your garage. Search for anthills and place some bait traps around the ant hills as well.

Use the shop-vac to remove all standing water in and around the garage. Standing water is an excellent breeding ground for mosquitoes. Look around the outside of the garage as well. Take steps to dry up any standing water there and check under planters and pots for insect nests. Dump and clean any containers which may have collected water. If these must be stored outside the garage, turn them upside down so that water cannot collect inside them.

Garage Door Cowboys of Austin is made up of exert contractors who know this industry. Contact us today to ask about how to prevent further insect infestations or any other garage door issue you may have. We are here for you and your complete satisfaction is our highest priority.